Archaeologists in Germany believe they may have uncovered the world’s oldest handbag. They found the prized purse, which is believed to date between 2, 500 and 2, 200 BC, at an excavation site near Leipzig.
As you might imagine the fabric has eroded over the years, but what remains is more than a hundred dog teeth arranged closely together, probably for decoration. The effect is something like the metal studs modern day designers favor. Who knew they were mimicking our trend-setting ancestors?
“Over the years the leather or fabric disappeared, and all that’s left is the teeth,” explained Susanne Friederich of the Sachsen-Anhalt State Archaeology and Preservation Office. “They’re all pointing in the same direction, so it looks a lot like a modern handbag flap.“
The purse was found amongst many other items, including spear points, bone buttons, and an amber necklace. But Friederich says the handbag is an especially important discovery as it’s the first time a bag of this type has been unearthed.
It’s believed the handbag’s original owner was privileged, as only the elite were buried with adorned products. Dog teeth were common decorations found in Stone Age hair ornaments and necklaces.
Looking at the picture, I imagine the original purse was quite a looker!
